LÜBECK - DROWNED IN ITS OWN OVERWHELM
Lübeck struggles to handle its own burdens and challenges.
Even Lübeck has fallen prey. The generic dismissal. Once upon a time, it was a personal message. Now? A block of text raped with a LinkedIn gloss.
"We were swamped by the sheer volume of applications..."
One can only assume, they were so overwhelmed that the inbox went neglected for two weeks, anticipating a mental collapse upon the sight of those burning talents.
"...and we didn't make this decision lightly."
No, they didn't.
And yet, it was made so lightly that the response came straight from the "Copy & Paste" folder. Template: Corporate empathy, drizzled with feigned humility.
Wrapped in soft, office vernacular, seasoned with a dash of ambiguity.
"Please grasp that among many exceptional and highly qualified applications, only minute aspects decide..."
The tiniest of details.
Like: They didn't know you. You had no ally here. Or your application arrived too soon. Or too late. Or perhaps too legit.
"...which are based strictly on professional criteria and by no means undermine your personal qualifications."
Ah, how soothing. I'm not the problem. I'm just not good enough.
But hey: It's the criteria! Not me. Not you. Those unpredictable, enigmatic criteria that function like a horoscope for HR departments: Everything is right, but somehow, it's also wrong.
Admittedly, it may sound ridiculous: Nope, I'm not outraged. I'm composed. Those who know me...
Pfft. Another darn cliché.
I'm frustrated. By the fact that respect is apparently automated today. That the effort I put into cover letters, portfolios, ideas, opinions is dismissed with a standardized pat on the back.
And yes, I recognize, I understand the application process. I've built them myself. I know that it's work to deliver an honest rejection, but that's exactly the issue:
We claim we have no time. A lame excuse. Nope, we just aren't putting in the effort. Because we no longer crave truth. Honesty. Genuine feedback.
Instead:
"We wish you all the best and success on your future journey."
Well then.
By the way, I wish something for you too: Bravery. For the next time.
And perhaps a more thoughtful text block.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alexander Lachmann, born in '82, plies his trade as a creative business consultant - a job title even a regular Joe can't fathom. As a Creative Director Text and Concept, Alexander Lachmann oversees advertising campaigns. From the big-roof idea to the small, squared Instagram post. Videos, posters, fliers. And now this column. On his website, www.iwrotethisshit.com, you can find a selection of his previous work.
At the end of '24, Alexander Lachmann launched the art project www.einwortsagtmehralstausendbilder.de. In January '25, he accomplished his first solo exhibition "Hashtagreality", on display from May 15 in Braunschweig at the Paritätischen Dienst until June 30. He will reside in the transitional space during this period and then commence his search for a new creative locale.
Photo Credits: Alexander Lachmann
Websites: www.iwrotethisshit.com | einwortsagtmehralstausendbilder.de
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- Despite Alexander Lachmann's expertise in the 'fashion-and-beauty', 'home-and-garden', 'lifestyle', and 'food-and-drink' sectors as a creative business consultant, he finds the lack of personalization in rejection letters disheartening, especially in his 'relationships' with potential hires.
- The recruitment process, whether it's for 'cars', 'pets', 'travel', or shopping businesses, must prioritize transparency and constructive feedback, as per Lachmann's observation, to foster a more genuine connection with applicants.
- In the art world, which resonates with Lachmann's 'home-and-garden' and 'lifestyle' interests, the same issues are prevalent—the need for sincere, personalized interactions between artists and critics.
- Even the 'shopping' experience can be enriched by going beyond generic reassurances, ensuring that customers feel valued and heard in their purchasing decisions.
- Travel companies may take cues from this conversation, focusing on open, honest communication with customers to foster trust, repeat business, and ‘relationships’ that truly benefit both parties.
